THE PHŒNICIAN MAIDENS.
23
Jocasta.
Whence wast thou fed, ere marriage brought thee substance?400
Polyneikes.
Whiles had I daily bread, and whiles had not.
Jocasta.
Helped they not thee, thy father's friends and guests?
Polyneikes.
Prosper:—friends vanish if thou prosper not.
Jocasta.
Did high birth bring thee not to high estate?
Polyneikes.
A curse is penury. Birth fed me not.405
Jocasta.
Most dear, meseems, to men is fatherland.
Polyneikes.
How dear, thou couldst not even utter it.
Jocasta.
To Argos how cam'st thou? With what intent?
Polyneikes.
I know not. Heaven to my fate summoned me.
Jocasta.
Wise is the God. How didst thou win thy bride?410
